High Visibility Traffic Enforcement Begins In St. Pete: Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A six-month traffic safety initiative that increases police presence in areas that are dangerous for St. Pete pedestrians and bicyclists began Monday, the St. Petersburg Police Department said.

The police department received a $53,764 contract to conduct high visibility enforcement operations that focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety from Nov. 9 until May 2021.

Pinellas County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state of Florida for traffic crashes that result in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists, according to St. Pete police.

According to authorities, year-to-date, St. Petersburg has experienced seven pedestrian fatalities compared to 13 during the same time period in 2019, and two bicycle fatalities for 2019 and 2020.

During this traffic safety initiative that is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's, "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow," campaign, education and enforcement efforts will be conducted along the following roadways:

• 34th Street North and South
• 4th Street North
• 54th Avenue North
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street
• 18th Avenue South
• 16th Street South
• 3rd Street North
• US 19/5th Avenue North
• 49th Street North
• South Gandy Blvd.

According to police, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians should follow these guidelines:

• Drivers—obey speed limits, never drive impaired and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Bicyclists—obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and uselights when riding at night.
• Pedestrians—cross the street in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.